How you pay the Golden Gate Bridge toll depends on whether you have a FasTrak account or pay as you go
The Golden Gate Bridge toll is collected electronically — there are no toll booths where you hand money to a person. If you have a FasTrak account, the toll is deducted automatically from your prepaid balance when you cross. If you don't have FasTrak, the bridge's camera system photographs your license plate and sends you an invoice by mail, which you pay online or by phone.
As of 2024, the toll for a two-axle vehicle is $8.35 during peak hours (weekdays 5 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.) and $7.35 during off-peak hours. Motorcycles, three-axle vehicles, and larger trucks have different rates. The toll applies to southbound traffic only — crossing northbound into Marin County is free.
Which method you choose affects how much you pay per crossing and how quickly you're charged. FasTrak is cheaper and faster, but requires setting up an account. The pay-as-you-go option is simpler upfront but costs more per crossing and involves waiting for a bill.
Key Takeaways
- FasTrak accounts charge $7.35 per crossing (off-peak) or $8.35 (peak), while pay-as-you-go invoices cost $8.35 regardless of time of day.
- You can open a FasTrak account online, by phone, or in person at a customer service center, and the transponder arrives by mail in about a week.
- If you don't have FasTrak, the bridge photographs your license plate and mails you an invoice within two weeks of crossing.
- You can pay invoices online at goldengatebridgetoday.org, by phone at 1-877-229-8655, or by mail, but late payments incur penalties.
- FasTrak transponders work on other Bay Area bridges and toll roads, so one account covers multiple crossings.
Opening a FasTrak account for the Golden Gate Bridge
To open a FasTrak account, go to goldengatebridgetoday.org and select "Open an Account." You'll need your vehicle's license plate number, vehicle type, and a valid payment method (credit card, debit card, or bank account). You can also call 1-877-229-8655 or visit a customer service center in person if you prefer not to set up the account online.
When you open the account, you choose how much money to prepay into it — most people start with $25 to $100. The Golden Gate Bridge Authority mails you a FasTrak transponder, which typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You mount the transponder on your windshield, and it communicates with the toll plaza's sensors as you cross. The toll is deducted from your prepaid balance automatically.
Once your balance drops below a certain threshold (usually $5), the system automatically recharges your account using the payment method you provided. You can also manually add money to your account anytime through the website or by phone. If you have multiple vehicles, you can add additional transponders to the same account.
Paying tolls without a FasTrak account
If you cross the Golden Gate Bridge without a FasTrak transponder, the bridge's automated camera system photographs your vehicle's license plate. The Golden Gate Bridge Authority uses that image to look up your vehicle registration and mail you an invoice within 10 to 14 days.
The invoice shows the crossing date, time, and toll amount ($8.35 for a two-axle vehicle, regardless of peak or off-peak time). You can pay the invoice online at goldengatebridgetoday.org, by phone at 1-877-229-8655, or by mail. Payment is due within 30 days of the invoice date.
If you cross the bridge multiple times without FasTrak, you'll receive separate invoices for each crossing. This method costs more per crossing than FasTrak and creates more paperwork, but it requires no advance setup. However, if you cross regularly, switching to FasTrak saves money and time.
What happens if you don't pay a toll invoice
If you don't pay within 30 days, the Golden Gate Bridge Authority sends a second notice with a penalty added to your bill. The penalty is typically $25 to $70 depending on how late the payment is. If you still don't pay after 60 days, the debt may be referred to a collection agency, which can affect your credit report.
In some cases, unpaid tolls can prevent vehicle registration renewal. California allows toll agencies to report unpaid tolls to the Department of Motor Vehicles, which may block you from renewing your registration until the debt is paid. If you receive an invoice you believe is incorrect — for example, if you crossed with a FasTrak transponder and were still billed — contact the Golden Gate Bridge Authority to dispute it.
If you're having trouble paying, contact the bridge's customer service to discuss a payment plan. They may be able to work with you on timing or amount, especially if the debt is recent.
FasTrak versus pay-as-you-go: cost and convenience comparison
| Feature | FasTrak Account | Pay-as-You-Go (Invoice) |
|---|---|---|
| Peak-hour toll | $8.35 | $8.35 |
| Off-peak toll | $7.35 | $8.35 |
| Setup time | 10 days (for transponder arrival) | None — automatic |
| Payment method | Prepaid account (auto-recharge) | Invoice by mail (pay within 30 days) |
| Works on other Bay Area tolls | Yes | No |
If you cross the Golden Gate Bridge during off-peak hours, FasTrak saves you $1 per crossing. If you cross during peak hours, the toll is the same either way, but FasTrak still offers the convenience of automatic payment and no invoices to manage. FasTrak also works on the Bay Bridge, San Mateo Bridge, Dumbarton Bridge, and Carquinez Bridge, so if you use any of those tolls, one account covers all of them.
For occasional crossers, pay-as-you-go may feel simpler because you don't prepay or manage an account. But if you cross more than a few times a year, FasTrak's lower off-peak rate and automatic payment usually make it the better choice financially and logistically.
Using FasTrak transponders from other toll agencies
If you already have a FasTrak transponder from another Bay Area toll agency — such as the Bay Bridge or Dumbarton Bridge — you can use the same transponder on the Golden Gate Bridge. You don't need a separate account or transponder. The toll is deducted from your existing FasTrak balance.
However, if your transponder is from outside California or from a different toll system, it may not work on the Golden Gate Bridge. Check with the Golden Gate Bridge Authority or your current toll agency to confirm compatibility. If your transponder doesn't work, you'll need to open a Golden Gate Bridge FasTrak account and request a new transponder.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay the Golden Gate Bridge toll in cash?
No. The Golden Gate Bridge has no toll booths or cash payment locations. You must either have a FasTrak account or pay by invoice after the bridge photographs your license plate. If you need to pay by check or money order, you can mail payment to the address on your invoice.
What if the bridge photographs my license plate but I never receive an invoice?
Contact the Golden Gate Bridge Authority at 1-877-229-8655 or through goldengatebridgetoday.org. Invoices are usually mailed within two weeks, but mail can be delayed. The bridge can look up your crossing and resend the invoice or help you pay over the phone.
Do I have to pay the toll if I'm a resident of Marin County?
Yes. All vehicles crossing the Golden Gate Bridge southbound pay the toll, regardless of where they live. There is no resident discount. However, some vehicles (such as certain emergency vehicles or government vehicles) may be exempt — check with the Golden Gate Bridge Authority if you think your vehicle qualifies.
Can I get a refund if I was charged twice for the same crossing?
Yes. If your FasTrak transponder malfunctioned or if you were billed twice by mistake, contact customer service with the crossing date and time. They can review the transaction and issue a refund or credit to your account.
What happens to my FasTrak account if I move out of California?
You can keep your account open and use it whenever you cross the Golden Gate Bridge. Your prepaid balance doesn't expire. If you no longer plan to use it, you can close the account and request a refund of any remaining balance.